Vast stretch of Maheshkhali mangrove forest destroyed in arson attack

COX'S BAZAR, June 07: A group of miscreants allegedly set fire to a vast stretch of coastal mangrove forest in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, after pouring kerosene on the vegetation, destroying several hundred acres of forest land in the western part of Ghatibhanga under Kutubjom Union.

According to local sources, an influential syndicate has long been attempting to clear the mangrove forest and occupy government-owned khas land for shrimp farming projects.

Residents alleged that a group led by local resident Amir Hossain, comprising around 20 to 30 individuals, has been carrying out such activities by exerting influence over both the Forest Department and local administration.

Similar allegations have also been raised against several other groups, including those led by Ayat Ullah, Tarek and Farid, who are accused of clearing mangrove areas to establish shrimp enclosures.

Environmental activists and concerned citizens expressed deep outrage over the incident, noting that the destruction took place on World Environment Day.

"On World Environment Day, those responsible for destroying Maheshkhali's mangrove forests chose to mark the occasion by setting them on fire. Nothing could be more unfortunate," said an environmental activist.

They alleged that politically influential groups have been systematically destroying the island's natural protective barrier-the coastal mangrove forest-to make way for shrimp farms.

Despite the presence of two Forest Department beat offices near the affected area, such activities have reportedly continued unchecked. Activists also alleged that the involvement of some dishonest officials within the Forest Department has facilitated the ongoing destruction.

Local residents said preparations for the arson began on Thursday night when flames were first spotted in parts of the forest. Later, it was learned that mangrove trees, particularly Bain trees, had been cut down and set ablaze to clear land for shrimp cultivation.

On Friday morning, kerosene was allegedly poured over the felled trees and fires were ignited across a wide area. The blaze continued burning until at least Friday afternoon.

Journalists attempting to visit the site and document the incident reportedly faced obstruction. Residents claimed that armed individuals were guarding access routes to the affected area and preventing media personnel from entering the forest.

Local resident Lokman Hakim stressed the urgency of protecting Maheshkhali's fragile coastal ecosystem and biodiversity.

"The authorities must take strict action against those responsible for destroying the mangrove forest and implement effective measures to restore the damaged areas," he said.

When contacted, Gorakghata Forest Range Officer Manowar Hossain said, "We are looking into the reports regarding the fire in the mangrove forest."

H.M. Faridul Alam Shaheen, Joint Convener of Dhara (We for Protecting the Earth), Cox's Bazar, called for stronger collective action to prevent environmental destruction.

"Government agencies alone cannot stop these environmentally destructive activities. Local communities must also raise their voices. Immediate initiatives are needed to restore the damaged mangrove forest," he said.

He added, "The perpetrators openly set fire to the Mangrove forest on World Environment Day. This is not only a disgrace for us as citizens but also for the administration."

Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imran Mahmud Dalim said several drives had previously been conducted against those involved in destroying Mangrove forests, and legal cases had been filed.

"We will investigate the matter and take the necessary actions accordingly," he said.

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